SunEdison signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with the City of Watervliet, New York for powering the city with an 868kW solar generation facility. The agreement will further save the city’s taxpayers more than US$1 million in energy costs during the PPA duration.

New York has a state-wide program called “remote net metering” which allows customers to enjoy the savings and environmental benefits of solar even if they are unable install a system on site. SunEdison and Watervliet’s agreement is under the program. Over the next 20 years, city-owned buildings, including City Hall, the fire station and the library will be powered by solar.

"As Mayor, I make it a priority to pursue all efficient, safe and affordable measures to save taxpayers money—now and into the future," said City of Watervliet Mayor Michael Manning. "With the rising cost of energy, the agreement with SunEdison is expected to save the city more than $1 million. It is a perfect example of looking outside the box and creating new initiatives that will save residents money and make us good stewards of our environment."

With the 868kW system, the city-owned buildings will be about to offset 83% or more energy. The system should also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 11 million pounds over the 20-year period—the equivalent to the annual amount of carbon sequestered by more than 4,000 acres of U.S. forest.

The construction will be started and completed in 2016, planned SunEdison. Also, the constructor will provide O&M services through SunEdison Services, which provides global asset management, monitoring and reporting services.